Integrated automatic blood collection and processing unit

• US 20030199803A1
• Filed: 06/24/2002
• Published: 10/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Terumo Medical Corporation (Terumo Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Mission Medical, Inc. (Terumo Corporation)
• Inventors: Robinson, Thomas P., Robinson, Thomas C., Sahines, Thomas, Eibe, Paul, DʼElia, Richard
• Granted Patent: US 6,890,291 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/6.04
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/0218 with filters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/362227 the interface providing means for actuating on functional elements of the cassette, e.g. plungers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/36224 with sensing means or components thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/362261 at least one cassette surface or portion thereof being flexible, e.g. the cassette having a rigid base portion with preformed channels and being covered with a foil
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/362265 Details of valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/362266 Means for adding solutions or substances to the blood
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3633 Blood component filters, e.g. leukocyte filters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3693 using separation based on different densities of components, e.g. centrifuging
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3696 with means for adding or withdrawing liquid substances during the centrifugation, e.g. continuous centrifugation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/38 Removing constituents from donor blood and storing or returning remainder to body , e.g. for transfusion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/12 with interchangeable cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/331 used as turbidity change detectors, e.g. for priming-blood or plasma-hemoglubine-interface detection
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6072 Bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: B04B 2005/045 having annular separation channels
• CPC Class Codes: B04B 5/0442 with means for adding or withdrawing liquid substances during the centrifugation, e.g. continuous centrifugation

Abstract

A system for automatically collecting and separating whole blood into its components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Claims

1. A centrifuge for use in the continuous separation of blood into components comprising:

a housing;

a disk structure rotatably mounted within the housing;

said disk structure forming a separation channel comprising an inner wall and an outer wall;

a first input port adapted for introducing whole blood into the separation channel;

a first output port adapted for removing concentrated red blood cells from the separation channel; and

a second output port adapted for removing plasma from the separation channel;

said separation channel substantially defining a circle having a centerpoint and a circumference;

wherein said disk structure is adapted for mechanical connection to a motor for rotating the disk structure about a central axis such that the circle defined by the separation channel is perpendicular to the central axis and the centerpoint is substantially aligned with the central axis;

and wherein the separation channel has a first portion where the outer wall is at or near its maximum distance from the central axis and wherein the first output port is positioned in the first portion of the separation channel.

2. The centrifuge of claim 1 wherein the separation channel has a second portion where the inner wall is at or near its minimum distance from the central axis and wherein the second output port is positioned in the second portion of the separation channel.

3. The centrifuge of claim 2 wherein the first and second portions of the separation channel overlap.

4. The centrifuge of claim 2 wherein the first and second portions of the channel are concurrent.

5. The centrifuge of claim 1, wherein the separation channel further comprises a third output port for removing plasma, positioned near a third portion of the separation channel where the outer wall is at or near its maximum distance from the central axis, and wherein each of the second and third output ports may be selectively closed to prevent removal of plasma through the selected output port.

6. The centrifuge of claim 1 wherein the separation channel extends along the circumference of the circle for less than 360°

.

7. The centrifuge of claim 1 wherein the disk forms a first radial fluid conduit extending inward from the separation channel and connected to the separation channel at the first output port;

said radial fluid conduit adapted for connection to a receiver of red blood cells, and wherein the disk forms a second radial fluid conduit extending inward from the separation channel and connected to the separation channel at the first input port;

said second radial fluid conduit adapted for connection to a source of whole blood; and

wherein the disk forms a third radial fluid conduit extending inward from the separation channel and connected to the separation channel at the second output port;

said third radial fluid conduit adapted for connection to a receiver of plasma

8. The centrifuge of claim 7 wherein each of the radial fluid conduits is substantially straight and the first output port is positioned relative to the second output port to define an angle of 180°

with the centerpoint of the circle.

9. The centrifuge of claim 7 wherein each of the radial fluid conduits is substantially straight and the first input port is positioned relative to the first output port to define an angle of 180°

with the centerpoint of the circle.

10. The centrifuge of claim 7 wherein the first radial fluid conduit further includes a second input port for selectively introducing storage solution.

11. The centrifuge of claim 7 wherein the disk forms a fourth radial fluid conduit extending inward from the separation channel and connected to the separation channel at the first output port;

said radial fluid conduit further adapted for connection to a source of storage solution.

12. The centrifuge of claim 7 wherein the disk forms a fourth radial fluid conduit extending inward substantially toward the central axis and connected to the first radial fluid conduit at a second input port;

said fourth radial fluid conduit further adapted for connection to a source of storage solution.

13. The centrifuge of claim 1 wherein the disk forms an island positioned in the first portion of the separation channel and wherein said first output port is positioned on the island.

14. The centrifuge of claim 13 wherein the island forms a slot open to the separation channel near at a point on the island near the outer wall, said slot adapted for receiving red blood cells, and wherein the first output port is positioned in the slot.

15. The centrifuge of claim 10 wherein the disk forms a island positioned in the first portion of the separation channel, and wherein the island forms a slot open to the separation channel near at a point on the island near the outer wall, said slot adapted for receiving red blood cells, and wherein the first output port is positioned in the slot and the second input port is positioned in the slot.

16. The centrifuge of claim 7 wherein the disk forms a island positioned in the first portion of the separation channel, and wherein the island forms a slot open to the separation channel near at a point on the island near the outer wall, said slot adapted for receiving red blood cells, and wherein the first output port is positioned in the slot and a second input port for selectively introducing storage solution is positioned in the slot.

17. The centrifuge of claim 5 wherein the disk forms a island positioned in the first portion of the separation channel, and wherein the island forms a slot with an opening to the separation channel near at a point on the island near the outer wall, said slot adapted for receiving red blood cells, and wherein the first output port is positioned in the slot and the third output port is positioned on the island outside the slot and near the outer wall.

18. The centrifuge of claim 17 wherein the second output port is positioned on the island outside the slot and near the inner wall.

19. The centrifuge of claim 14 wherein the island is positioned relative to the outer wall to form a narrow gap between the outer wall and the island on each side of the opening of the slot.

20. The centrifuge of claim 1 wherein the inner wall in the first portion of the separation channel extends towards the outer wall to form a narrow gap near the first output port.

21. The centrifuge of claim 20 wherein the gap is positioned at a portion of the outer wall that is near its maximum distance from the central axis.

22. The centrifuge of claim 5 wherein the disk forms a radial fluid conduit extending toward the center of the disk from the separation channel and having an outermost point near the separation channel and an innermost point near the center of the disk;

and further comprising a ball shuttle valve 1280 having a first inlet and a second inlet and positioned on the disk such that as the disk rotates at selected speeds one of the first inlet or second inlet is blocked, and wherein said ball shuttle valve 1280 further includes an outlet positioned between the two inlets to remain open at all selected speeds of disk rotation;

said first outlet connected to the radial fluid conduit near the outermost point, and said first inlet connected to the second output port and the second inlet connected to the third output port, said radial fluid conduit further adapted near the innermost point for connection to a receiver of plasma.

23. The centrifuge of claim 2 wherein the second portion of the separation channel is defined by a diverter extending from the inner wall, said diverter having a pointed section defining an inner edge near the inner wall, an outer edge near the outer wall, and a point at which the inner edge and outer edge meet, wherein the diverter is positioned in the separation channel such that the point is aligned to lie on the circumference of the circle.

76. The centrifuge of claim 1 wherein the separation channel has a first defined depth in the first portion near the outer wall, and a second defined depth in the second portion near the inner wall, and wherein the second defined depth is less than the first defined depth.

77. The centrifuge of claim 76 wherein the first and second portions of the separation channel are concurrent, and the separation channel includes a rounded interface between the first and second depths.

78. The centrifuge of claim 76 wherein the separation channel tapers inward toward the first defined depth.

24. A method of simultaneous blood collection and separation using a continuous flow centrifuge having a separation channel, a blood input port, a concentrated red blood cell output port and a first plasma output port, comprising the steps of:

collecting blood from a donor to form a blood flow;

simultaneously with the collecting step adding an anticoagulant to the blood flow to form an anticoagulated blood flow;

simultaneously with the adding step, introducing the anticoagulated blood flow into the separation channel through the blood input port while keeping the blood input port open;

simultaneously with the introducing step, operating the centrifuge to produce a flow of concentrated red blood cells and a flow of plasma from the anticoagulated blood flow;

simultaneously with the operating step, directing the flow of plasma from the separation channel through the first plasma output port into a plasma collection bag while keeping the first plasma output port open;

simultaneously with the operating step, directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells from the separation channel through the red blood cell output port into a fluid transportation means while keeping the red blood cell output port open;

simultaneously with the operating step, introducing red cell storage solution into the flow of concentrated red blood cells in the fluid transportation means;

simultaneously with the operating step, directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells from the fluid transportation means into a red blood cell collection bag.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of:

filtering the flow of red blood cells in a leukofilter after the step of introducing red cell storage solution and before the step of directing the flow of red blood cells into a red blood cell collection bag.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of operating the centrifuge further comprises the steps of:

operating the centrifuge to form a buffy coat interface between the flow the red cells and the flow of plasma in the separation channel; and

selectively controlling the anticoagulated blood flow to the separation channel and the flow of red concentrated blood cells from the separation channel and the flow of plasma from the separation channel to maintain the buffy coat interface at a selected point near the center of the separation channel.

27. The method of claim 24 wherein the continuous flow centrifuge further comprises a second plasma output port, further comprising the steps of:

keeping the second plasma output port closed while the first plasma output port is open;

at the occurrence of a preselected event, closing the blood input port to prevent the anticoagulated blood flow from entering the separation channel;

after the closing step, directing the flow of plasma from the plasma collection bag into the separation channel;

simultaneously with the step of directing the flow of plasma into the separation channel, continuing operation of the centrifuge to produce a flow of concentrated red blood cells;

simultaneously with the continuing operation step, directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells from the separation channel into a fluid transportation means while keeping the concentrated red blood cell output port open;

simultaneously with the continuing operation step, monitoring the amount of plasma in the separation channel;

closing the concentrated red blood cell output port when the separation channel is substantially filled with plasma;

after the step of closing the concentrated red blood cell output port, closing the first plasma output port;

after the step of closing the first plasma output port, continuing to operate the centrifuge at a moderate speed while introducing a gas into the separation channel to create a purge plasma flow;

simultaneously with the continuing to operate the centrifuge at moderate speed;

opening the second plasma output port and directing purge plasma flow through the second plasma output port into the plasma collection bag.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of operating the centrifuge further comprises the steps of:

operating the centrifuge to form a buffy coat interface between the flow the red cells and the flow of plasma in the separation channel; and

selectively controlling the anticoagulated blood flow to the separation channel, the flow of red concentrated blood cells from the separation channel and the flow of plasma from the separation channel to maintain the buffy coat interface at a selected point near the center of the separation channel;

after the step of continuing to operate the centrifuge at moderate speed, stopping operation of the centrifuge while a portion of the buffy cell interface remains in the separation channel.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of operating the centrifuge further comprises the steps of:

operating the centrifuge to form a buffy coat interface between the flow the red cells and the flow of plasma in the separation channel; and

selectively controlling the anticoagulated blood flow to the separation channel, the flow of red concentrated blood cells from the separation channel and the flow of plasma from the separation channel to maintain the buffy coat interface at a selected point near the center of the separation channel;

simultaneously with the step of continuing to operate the centrifuge at moderate speed, monitoring the plasma flow to determine when substantially only the buffy coat interface is left in the separation channel;

when substantially only the buffy coat interface is left in the separation channel, directing the buffy coat interface through the second plasma output port into a buffy coat collection bag.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of operating the centrifuge further comprises the steps of:

operating the centrifuge to form a buffy coat interface between the flow the red cells and the flow of plasma in the separation channel; and

selectively controlling the anticoagulated blood flow to the separation channel, the flow of red concentrated blood cells from the separation channel and the flow of plasma from the separation channel to maintain the buffy coat interface at a selected point near the center of the separation channel;

simultaneously with the step of continuing to operate the centrifuge at moderate speed, monitoring the plasma flow to determine when substantially only the buffy coat interface is left in the separation channel;

when substantially only the buffy coat interface is left in the separation channel, closing the second plasma output port, opening the concentrated red blood cell output port, and directing the buffy coat interface through the red blood cell output port into a buffy coat collection bag.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of:

filtering the flow of red blood cells in a leukofilter after the step of introducing red cell storage solution and before the step of directing the flow of red blood cells into a red blood cell collection bag; and

the step of directing the buffy coat interface through the red blood cell output port into a buffy coat collection bag further comprises the step of preventing the buffy coat from entering the leukofilter.

32. The method of claim 24 wherein the continuous flow centrifuge further comprises a second plasma output port, further comprising the steps of:

keeping the second plasma output port closed while the first plasma output port is open;

at the occurrence of a preselected event, closing the blood input port to prevent the anticoagulated blood flow from entering the separation channel;

after the closing step, continuing to operate the centrifuge at a moderate speed while introducing a gas into the separation channel to create a purge plasma flow;

simultaneously with the step of introducing a gas into the separation channel, continuing operation of the centrifuge to produce a flow of concentrated red blood cells;

simultaneously with the continuing operation step, directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells from the separation channel into a fluid transportation means while keeping the concentrated red blood cell output port open;

closing the concentrated red blood cell output port;

simultaneously with the step of continuing operation;

opening the second plasma output port and directing purge plasma flow through the second plasma output port into the plasma collection bag.

33. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of:

at the occurrence of a preselected event, controlling the flow of concentrated red blood cells to allow the separation channel to fill with concentrated red blood cells and simultaneously removing all plasma from the separation channel;

after the controlling step and when the separation channel is filled with concentrated red blood cells, continuing to operate the centrifuge at a moderate speed while introducing a gas into the separation channel to force the concentrated red blood cells from the channel;

simultaneously with the step of introducing a gas into the separation channel, continuing operation of the centrifuge to produce a flow of concentrated red blood cells;

simultaneously with the continuing operation step, directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells from the separation channel into a fluid transportation means while keeping the concentrated red blood cell output port open.

34. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of:

at the occurrence of a preselected event, controlling the flow of concentrated red blood cells to allow the separation channel to fill with concentrated red blood cells and simultaneously removing all plasma from the separation channel;

after the controlling step and when the separation channel is filled with concentrated red blood cells, continuing to operate the centrifuge at a moderate speed while introducing anticoagulant into the separation channel to force the concentrated red blood cells from the channel;

simultaneously with the step of introducing anticoagulant into the separation channel, continuing operation of the centrifuge to produce a flow of concentrated red blood cells;

simultaneously with the continuing operation step, directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells from the separation channel into a fluid transportation means while keeping the concentrated red blood cell output port open.

35. The method of claim 27 wherein step of directing purge plasma flow through the second plasma output port into the plasma collection bag further includes the step of pumping the purge plasma flow into the plasma collection bag.

36. The method of claim 29 wherein step of directing purge plasma flow through the second plasma output port into the plasma collection bag further includes the step of pumping the purge plasma flow into the plasma collection bag;

and

the step of directing the buffy coat interface further includes the step of pumping the buffy coat interface into the buffy coat collection bag.

37. The method of claim 30 wherein step of directing purge plasma flow through the second plasma output port into the plasma collection bag further includes the step of pumping the purge plasma flow into the plasma collection bag;

and

the step of directing the buffy coat interface further includes the step of pumping the buffy coat interface into the buffy coat collection bag.

38. The method of claim 32 wherein step of directing purge plasma flow through the second plasma output port into the plasma collection bag further includes the step of pumping the purge plasma flow into the plasma collection bag.

39. The method of claim 27 further comprising the steps of:

prior to the adding step, determining the value of the hemocrit of the blood;

prior to the adding step, selecting a volume of concentrated red cells to be collected;

simultaneously with the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells, monitoring the flow of concentrated red blood cells and calculating a value representing the concentrated red blood cells collected using the value of the hemocrit;

and wherein the occurrence of the preselected event is determined by the steps of;

comparing the value representing the concentrated red blood cells collected with the volume of concentrated red blood cells to be collected.

40. The method of claim 29 further comprising the steps of:

prior to the adding step, determining the value of the hemocrit of the blood;

prior to the adding step, selecting a volume of concentrated red cells to be collected;

simultaneously with the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells, monitoring the flow of concentrated red blood cells and calculating a value representing the concentrated red blood cells collected using the value of the hemocrit;

and wherein the occurrence of the preselected event is determined by the step of;

comparing the value representing the concentrated red blood cells collected with the volume of concentrated red blood cells to be collected.

41. The method of claim 30 further comprising the steps of:

prior to the adding step, determining the value of the hemocrit of the blood;

prior to the adding step, selecting a volume of concentrated red cells to be collected;

simultaneously with the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells, monitoring the flow of concentrated red blood cells and calculating a value representing the concentrated red blood cells collected using the value of the hemocrit;

and wherein the occurrence of the preselected event is determined by the step of;

comparing the value representing the concentrated red blood cells collected with the volume of concentrated red blood cells to be collected.

42. The method of claim 32 further comprising the steps of:

prior to the adding step, determining the value of the hemocrit of the blood;

prior to the adding step, selecting a volume of concentrated red cells to be collected;

simultaneously with the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells, monitoring the flow of concentrated red blood cells and calculating a value representing the concentrated red blood cells collected using the value of the hemocrit;

and wherein the occurrence of the preselected event is determined by the step of;

comparing the value representing the concentrated red blood cells collected with the volume of concentrated red blood cells to be collected.

43. The method of claim 33 further comprising the steps of:

prior to the adding step, determining the value of the hemocrit of the blood;

prior to the adding step, selecting a volume of concentrated red cells to be collected;

simultaneously with the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells, monitoring the flow of concentrated red blood cells and calculating a value representing the concentrated red blood cells collected using the value of the hemocrit;

and wherein the occurrence of the preselected event is determined by the step of;

comparing the value representing the concentrated red blood cells collected with the volume of concentrated red blood cells to be collected.

44. The method of claim 34 further comprising the steps of:

prior to the adding step, determining the value of the hemocrit of the blood;

prior to the adding step, selecting a volume of concentrated red cells to be collected;

simultaneously with the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells, monitoring the flow of concentrated red blood cells and calculating a value representing the concentrated red blood cells collected using the value of the hemocrit;

and wherein the occurrence of the preselected event is determined by the step of;

comparing the value representing the concentrated red blood cells collected with the volume of concentrated red blood cells to be collected.

45. The method of claim 33 further comprising the steps of:

prior to the adding step, selecting a volume of blood to be collected;

simultaneously with the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells, monitoring the blood flow and calculating a value representing the volume of blood collected;

and wherein the occurrence of the preselected event is determined by the steps of;

comparing the value representing the blood collected with the volume of blood to be collected.

46. The method of claim 34 further comprising the steps of:

prior to the adding step, selecting a volume of blood to be collected;

simultaneously with-the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells, monitoring the blood flow and calculating a value representing the volume of blood collected;

and wherein the occurrence of the preselected event is determined by the steps of;

comparing the value representing the blood collected with the volume of blood to be collected.

47. The method of claim 29 further comprising the steps of:

prior to the adding step, selecting a volume of blood to be collected;

simultaneously with the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells, monitoring the blood flow and calculating a value representing the volume of blood collected;

and wherein the occurrence of the preselected event is determined by the steps of;

comparing the value representing the blood collected with the volume of blood to be collected.

48. The method of claim 30 further comprising the steps of:

prior to the adding step, selecting a volume of blood to be collected;

simultaneously with the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells, monitoring the blood flow and calculating a value representing the volume of blood collected;

and wherein the occurrence of the preselected event is determined by the steps of;

comparing the value representing the blood collected with the volume of blood to be collected.

49. The method of claim 32 further comprising the steps of:

prior to the adding step, selecting a volume of blood to be collected;

simultaneously with the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells, monitoring the blood flow and calculating a value representing the volume of blood collected;

and wherein the occurrence of the preselected event is determined by the steps of;

comparing the value representing the blood collected with the volume of blood to be collected.

50. The method of claim 40 wherein the monitoring step further comprises:

calculating a value representing the volume of flow of the concentrated red blood cells per unit time using the value of the hemocrit; and

wherein the method further comprises the steps of;

determining a maximum value for the volume of the concentrated red blood cells per unit time; and

reducing the blood flow when the value representing the volume of flow of the concentrated red blood cells per unit time exceeds the maximum value.

51. The method of claim 41 wherein the monitoring step further comprises:

calculating a value representing the volume of flow of the concentrated red blood cells per unit time using the value of the hemocrit; and

wherein the method further comprises the steps of;

determining a maximum value for the volume of the concentrated red blood cells per unit time; and

reducing the blood flow when the value representing the volume of flow of the concentrated red blood cells per unit time exceeds the maximum value.

52. The method of claim 42 wherein the monitoring step further comprises:

calculating a value representing the volume of flow of the concentrated red blood cells per unit time using the value of the hemocrit; and

wherein the method further comprises the steps of;

determining a maximum value for the volume of the concentrated red blood cells per unit time; and

reducing the blood flow when the value representing the volume of flow of the concentrated red blood cells per unit time exceeds the maximum value.

53. The method of claim 50 wherein the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells further comprises the step of pumping the concentrated red blood cells from the fluid transportation means into a concentrated red blood cell collection bag;

and the step of directing the flow of plasma to a plasma collection bag further includes the step of pumping the plasma into the plasma collection bag; and

wherein the step of reducing the blood flow further comprises;

selectively reducing pumping the flow of plasma; and

selectively reducing pumping the flow of concentrated red blood cells.

54. The method of claim 51 wherein the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells further comprises the step of pumping the concentrated red blood cells from the fluid transportation means into a concentrated red blood cell collection bag;

and the step of directing the flow of plasma to a plasma collection bag further includes the step of pumping the plasma into the plasma collection bag; and

wherein the step of reducing the blood flow further comprises;

selectively reducing pumping the flow of plasma; and

selectively reducing pumping the flow of concentrated red blood cells.

55. The method of claim 52 wherein the step of directing the flow of concentrated red blood cells further comprises the step of pumping the concentrated red blood cells from the fluid transportation means into a concentrated red blood cell collection bag;

and the step of directing the flow of plasma to a plasma collection bag further includes the step of pumping the plasma into the plasma collection bag; and

wherein the step of reducing the blood flow further comprises;

selectively reducing pumping the flow of plasma; and

selectively reducing pumping the flow of concentrated red blood cells.

56. The method of claim 50 wherein the step of collecting blood further comprises the step of pumping blood from the donor, and wherein the step of reducing the blood flow further comprises:

selectively reducing pumping the blood from the donor.

57. The method of claim 51 wherein the step of collecting blood further comprises the step of pumping blood from the donor, and wherein the step of reducing the blood flow further comprises:

selectively reducing pumping the blood from the donor.

58. The method of claim 52 wherein the step of collecting blood further comprises the step of pumping blood from the donor;

and wherein the step of reducing the blood flow further comprises;

selectively reducing pumping the blood from the donor.

59. The method of claim 25, wherein the filtering step further comprises pumping the concentrated red blood cells into the leukofilter after the step of introducing red cell storage solution.

60. A centrifuge for the continuous separation of blood comprising:

a fixed bucket housing having a opening circumference;

a molded distributor mounted in the housing so as to inhibit rotation of the molded distributor relative to the housing, comprising a first duct having a first end and a second end;

a second duct a first end and a second end and a third duct a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the first duct is adapted for connection to a first component external to the centrifuge;

the first end of the second duct is adapted for connection to a second component external to the centrifuge; and

the first end of the third duct is adapted for connection to a third component external to the centrifuge;

a stationary seal member mounted in the housing, said stationary seal member forming a first central hole providing communication through the stationary seal member to the second end of the first duct; and

further forming a first annular groove and a first access hole within the first annular groove providing communication through the stationary seal member between the first annular groove and the second end of the second duct; and

further forming a second annular groove and a second access hole within the second annular groove providing communication through the stationary seal member between the second annular groove and the second end of the third duct;

a disk cap comprising a mounting ring rotably mounted on the opening circumference of the housing, said disk cap forming a first hole, a second hole and a third hole;

a disk mounted on the disk cap;

said disk forming a separation channel substantially defining a circle, said disk adapted for mechanical connection to a motor for rotating the disk, disk cap and rotating seal member about a central axis such that the circle defined by the separation channel is perpendicular to the central axis;

a first fluid transport means communicating between the separation channel and the first hole in the disk cap;

a second fluid transport means communicating between the separation channel and the second hole in the disk cap;

a third fluid transport means communicating between the separation channel and the second hole in the disk cap;

a rotating seal member mounted on the disk structure, said rotating seal member forming a second central hole aligned with the first central hole, said second central hole also aligned with the first hole in the disk cap and providing communication through the rotating seal member to the first hole in the disk cap;

said rotating seal structure further forming a third annular groove aligned with the first annular groove and a third access hole within the third annular groove aligned with the second hole in the disk cap and providing communication through the rotating seal member between the third annular groove and the second hole in the disk cap;

said rotating seal further forming a fourth annular groove aligned with the second annular grove and a fourth access hole within the fourth annular groove aligned with the third hole in the disk cap and providing communication through the rotating seal member between the fourth annular groove to the third hole in the disk cap.

61. The centrifuge of claim 60 wherein the housing further comprises a spring-loading mechanism adapted to force the rotating seal member against the stationary seal member.

62. The centrifuge of claim 61 wherein the centrifuge is adapted for mounting on a console including the motor for rotating the disk, disk cap and rotating seal, wherein the opening circumference of the housing further comprises a lip, and the spring-loaded mechanism comprises a spring connecting the housing to the stationary seal member;

said spring loaded mechanism adapted to exert a force to maintain the lip against the housing mounting ring, whereby rotation of the disk is prevented when the centrifuge is not mounted on the console; and

is further adapted to allow the housing to be compressed against the spring when the centrifuge is mounted on the console, whereby the housing is moved slightly and the lip is lifted from the housing mounting ring allowing rotation of the disk.

63. The centrifuge of claim 60 wherein:

the molded distributor further includes a fourth duct having a first end and a second end, and the first end of the fourth duct is adapted for connection to a fourth component external to the centrifuge;

the stationary seal member forms a fifth annular groove with a fifth access hole providing communication through the stationary seal member between the fifth annular groove and the second end of the fourth duct;

the disk cap forms a fourth hole;

the centrifuge comprises a fourth fluid transport means communicating between the separation channel and the fourth hole in the disk cap; and

the rotating seal further forms a sixth annular groove aligned with the fifth annular grove and a sixth access hole within the sixth annular groove aligned with the fourth hole in the disk cap and providing communication through the rotating seal member between the sixth annular groove and the fourth hole in the disk cap.

64. The centrifuge of claim 60 wherein the first end of the first duct is adapted for connection to a source of whole blood;

the first end of the second duct is adapted for connection to a bag for storing concentrated red blood cells and the first end of the third duct is adapted for connection to a bag for storing plasma.

64-1. A cassette adapted for mounting on a console, wherein the console includes a first motor and pump rotors driven by a second motor;

comprising;

a frame;

a continuous flow centrifuge supported on the frame, said continuous flow centrifuge comprising;

a housing;

a rotor rotably supported in the housing, adapted to be driven by the first motor when the cassette is mounted on the console;

a disk, mounted to the rotor;

wherein the rotor is supported in a horizontal position relative to the console when the cassette is mounted on the console;

said continuous flow centrifuge having an input port adapted to receive and hold a first length of flexible tubing for delivering fluid to the disk and an output port adapted to receive and hold a second length of flexible tubing for removing fluid from the disk;

a manifold supported on the frame, said manifold comprising;

a first tube receptacle, a second tube receptacle, third tube receptacle and a fourth tube receptacle, each of the tube receptacles adapted to receive and hold a length of flexible tubing;

a first pump tube segment defining a first end and a second end;

a second pump tube defining a first end and a second end;

a first fluid pathway, a second fluid pathway, a third fluid pathway and a fourth fluid pathway, wherein the pump tube segments, the flexible tubing and the fluid pathways are adapted to contain fluid; and

wherein the first tube receptacle is connected to the first end of the first pump tube segment by a first fluid pathway;

the second end of the first pump tube segment is connected to the second tube receptacle by a second fluid pathway; and

the third tube receptacle is connected to the first end of the second pump tube segment by a third fluid pathway, and the second end of the second tube segment is connected to the fourth tube receptacle by a fourth fluid pathway;

and wherein, the first length of flexible tubing connects the input port of the continuous flow centrifuge to the second tube receptacle, and the second length of flexible tubing connects the output port of the continuous flow centrifuge to the third tube receptacle;

and each of the pump tube segments is adapted for interface with a separate pump rotor when the cassette is mounted on the console, whereby fluid in the pump tube segment tube may be forced from the pump tube segment to a selected one of the fluid pathways.

66. The cassette of claim 65 wherein at least one of the fluid pathways further includes a valve interface adapted for interaction with a valve contained in the console, when the cassette is mounted on the console, whereby the valve may selectively cause the pathway to be blocked.

67. The cassette of claim 66 wherein the valve interface comprises a flexible diaphragm sealed to the manifold and forming a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and further adapted to be selectively compressed by the valve.

70. The cassette of claim 66 wherein at least one of the fluid pathways further includes a pressure sensor interface, adapted to respond to a change in pressure in the fluid in the pathway, and further adapted for interaction with a pressure sensor contained in the console, when the cassette is mounted on the console, whereby an electronic signal may be generated by the pressure sensor in response to the change in pressure.

71. The cassette of claim 70 wherein the console further includes a bar code reader for generating an electronic signals corresponding to bar codes and a controller for controlling the valve in response to the electronic signal generated by the pressure sensor and the bar code reader;

and wherein the cassette further includes a bar code adapted to be read by the bar code reader.

68. The cassette of claim 65 wherein at least one of the fluid pathways further includes a pressure sensor interface, adapted to respond to a change in pressure in the fluid in the pathway, and further adapted for interaction with a pressure sensor contained in the console, when the cassette is mounted on the console, whereby an electronic signal may be produced by the pressure sensor in response to the change in pressure.

69. The cassette of claim 68 wherein the pressure sensor interface comprises a flexible diaphragm sealed to the manifold and forming a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and wherein the flexible diaphragm is adapted to expand when fluid pressure in the fluid pathway is increase and contract when fluid pressure in the fluid pathway is decreased.

72. The cassette of claim 65 wherein the cassette forms at least one hole, adapted, when the cassette is mounted on the console, to align with an ultrasonic sensor contained in the console, and a portion of the first length of flexible tubing is held in a fixed position to lie across the hole.

73. The cassette of claim 65 further comprising a bag for containing fluid connected to the first tube receptacle by a third length of flexible tubing.

74. An integrated system for simultaneously collecting and separating whole blood comprising:

a console comprising a first motor and pump rotors driven by a second motor;

a cassette adapted for mounting on the console, said cassette comprising;

a frame;

a continuous flow centrifuge supported on the frame, said continuous flow centrifuge comprising;

a housing;

a rotor rotably supported in the housing, adapted to be driven by the first motor when the cassette is mounted on the console;

a disk, mounted to the rotor;

wherein the rotor is supported in a horizontal position relative to the console when the cassette is mounted on the console;

said continuous flow centrifuge having an input port adapted to receive and hold a first length of flexible tubing for delivering fluid to the disk and an output port adapted to receive and hold a second length of flexible tubing for removing fluid from the disk;

a manifold supported on the frame, said manifold comprising;

a first tube receptacle, a second tube receptacle, third tube receptacle and a fourth tube receptacle, each of the tube receptacles adapted to receive and hold a length of flexible tubing;

a first pump tube segment defining a first end and a second end;

a second pump tube defining a first end and a second end;

a first fluid pathway, a second fluid pathway, a third fluid pathway and a fourth fluid pathway, wherein the pump tube segments, the flexible tubing and the fluid pathways are adapted to contain fluid; and

wherein the first tube receptacle is connected to the first end of the first pump tube segment by a first fluid pathway;

the second end of the first pump tube segment is connected to the second tube receptacle by a second fluid pathway; and

the third tube receptacle is connected to the first end of the second pump tube segment by a third fluid pathway, and the second end of the second tube segment is connected to the fourth tube receptacle by a fourth fluid pathway;

and wherein, the first length of flexible tubing connects the input port of the continuous flow centrifuge to the second tube receptacle, and the second length of flexible tubing connects the output port of the continuous flow centrifuge to the third tube receptacle;

and each of the pump tube segments is adapted for interface with a separate pump rotor when the cassette is mounted on the console, whereby fluid in the pump tube segment tube may be forced from the pump tube segment to a selected one of the fluid pathways.

75. The system of claim 65 further comprising a centrifuge mounted on the cassette, said centrifuge comprising:

a housing;

a disk structure rotably mounted within the housing;

said disk structure forming a separation channel comprising an inner wall and an outer wall;

a first input port adapted for introducing whole blood into the separation channel;

a first output port adapted for removing concentrated red blood cells from the separation channel; and

a second output port adapted for removing plasma from the separation channel;

said separation channel substantially defining a circle having a centerpoint and a circumference;

wherein said console includes a disk drive motor, and said disk structure is adapted for a mechanical connection to the disk drive motor for rotating the disk structure about a central axis such that the circle defined by the separation channel is perpendicular to the central axis and the centerpoint is substantially aligned with the central axis;

and wherein the separation channel has a first portion where the outer wall is at or near its maximum distance from the central axis and wherein the first output port is positioned in the first portion of the separation channel.

79. The system of claim 75 wherein the console further comprises a drive cup driven by the disk drive motor about a central axis and the mechanical connection between the disk drive motor and the disk structure includes mounting the disk structure in the disk cup.